Choosing You

by Eunice

“I choose you and I’ll choose you over and over and over without pause, without a doubt in a heartbeat I keep choosing you”.

Those were the words of affirmation and pledge hung steadfast beneath a bedazzling spectacle of magical fairy lights, delicately and gracefully calligraphed by Janica; every word filled with an overwhelming sense of dedicated love and emotion.

It was a cool afternoon; crisp air, magpies chirping in the background and a light buzzing of occasional excited chatters that filled the villa; typical of a pre-wedding scene you’d expect. As we gently tip-toed across the wooden parquet to bid hello to the bride, she turned around and her eyes lit up with delight, reciprocating the greeting with an animated wave.

It wasn’t too long ago that she was sitting cross-legged across us in the carpeted living room and passionately chatted about some of the things she’d love for her wedding; oh and whipping out pieces of intricately scribbled quotes in copper plate and marvellous talent that got us ever so pumped up to see to the end results of it all. Janica’s meticulous works and eye-to-detail is truly a genuine craftsmanship with much soul in those brush strokes that deserve every bit of salutation and acknowledgement to such art. Her soul mate and skillful barista Ling Jeat, was a man of few words but equally artsy and occasionally nods his head in agreement, constantly giving off a steady approving gaze with his knowledge-filled eyes.

That beautiful evening, we were blessed with a perfectly balanced weather of sun light and breeze at the infamous lawn of Janda Baik as the notorious rain clouds passed us by with mercy. The bride’s favourite hues of mauve and nude, muted blush and dusty blue gently filled up the landscape, emitting a calm and ethereal vibe to the scenic view of the rustic reception. It was the epitome of rustic goodness; of wooden slabs, pleasantly decorated nibbles, an antique sewing machine, of a pine-tree replete forestry, a serene small little lake and thick majestic barks that pander to its all-time crowd-favourite iconic glasshouse, a fairy light haven.

As Janica stood before the altar clutching her succulent-infused bouquet gently tied together by wispy silk grey ribbons billowing in the evening wind and the tapestry of floral lace against her petite silhouette, her hands were entwined with Ling Jeat’s in a firm grip, as they both bowed their heads in that knowing prayer before their Creator.

“Your love is devoted
like a ring of solid gold
Like a vow that is tested
like a covenant of old
Your love is enduring
through the winter rain
And beyond the horizon
with mercy for today
Faithful You have been
and faithful you will be
You pledge yourself to me
and it’s why I sing;
Your praise will ever be on my lips”.